Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. Your favorite pair of sneakers, the ones that have seen you through countless adventures, are starting to look a little… well, loved. They’re scuffed, dirty, and maybe not smelling their freshest. The thought of hand-scrubbing them is exhausting, which leads to the big question: how to wash sneakers in a washing machine safely? It feels like a risky move, doesn’t it? You picture them coming out warped, unglued, or shrinking to a doll’s size.
As the Chief Consultant here at Washing Machinee, I’ve heard all the horror stories. But I’m here to tell you that with the right technique, your washing machine can be your sneaker’s best friend. Forget the myths and the fear. We’re going to walk through the definitive process to get your kicks looking and smelling brand new, without destroying them or your machine.
Before You Even Touch the Machine: The Golden Rules
Hold on! Before you toss those shoes straight into the drum, a little prep work is the difference between success and a sneaker-pocalypse. Taking these few extra minutes is non-negotiable.
Can All Sneakers Be Machine Washed? The Material Check
First things first, check the material. Not all shoes are created equal, and some should never see the inside of a washer.
- Good to Go: Most sneakers made from canvas, nylon, cotton, and synthetic materials (like polyester) are perfect candidates for a machine wash. Think of your everyday runners, gym shoes, and classic canvas kicks.
- Proceed with Caution: Some mesh can be delicate. If it’s a high-end performance shoe, be extra gentle.
- Absolutely Not: Keep shoes made of leather, suede, nubuck, or any delicate materials with sequins or beading far away from the machine. Water and agitation will cause irreversible damage, cracking, and staining. For these, you’ll need to stick to specialized cleaning kits.
A quick look at the care label inside the shoe’s tongue can often give you the manufacturer’s official recommendation. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
The Essential Prep Work: Don’t Skip This!
Once you’ve confirmed your sneakers are washable, it’s time to get them ready for their spa day. This is the part that truly protects both your shoes and your machine.
- Remove the Laces and Insoles: Untie and pull out the shoelaces completely. If the insoles are removable, take them out too. This allows water and detergent to clean every nook and cranny. You can wash these separately.
- Bang Off Loose Dirt: Take the sneakers outside and bang the soles together to dislodge any caked-on mud, rocks, and grass. Use an old toothbrush or a soft brush to scrub away any remaining stubborn debris from the soles and crevices. The less gunk goes into your machine, the better it is for your filter and drain pump.
- Pre-Treat Tough Stains: Got a nasty grass stain or a splash of coffee? Treat it now. Apply a small amount of stain remover or a paste of mild detergent and water directly to the spot. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes before washing.
The Step-by-Step Guide on How to Wash Sneakers in a Washing Machine
Alright, prep work is done. Now for the main event. Follow these steps precisely for a perfect, damage-free wash.
- Bag Them Up: This is the most crucial step. Place your sneakers inside a mesh laundry bag. This prevents them from banging aggressively against the drum, which can damage both the shoes and the machine’s interior. No mesh bag? A zippered pillowcase will work in a pinch. Place the laces and insoles in the bag with them.
- Add a Buffer: You should never wash sneakers by themselves. The load will be unbalanced and incredibly noisy. To solve this, add a few old, heavy towels (preferably in a similar color to avoid dye transfer) to the machine. These act as a cushion, buffering the sneakers and balancing the load as it tumbles.
- Use the Right Detergent: Opt for a gentle, liquid detergent. Powdered detergents can sometimes get trapped inside the shoes and not dissolve properly in cold water. Use a small amount—about half of what you’d use for a regular load of laundry. Crucially, do not use fabric softener, as it can leave a residue that damages the shoe’s material and can even make them less breathable.
- Select the Perfect Machine Settings: This is where your machine’s features shine.
- Water Temperature: Cold water only. Hot water can weaken adhesives, causing the soles to separate, and can lead to warping or shrinking of the materials.
- Wash Cycle: Choose the delicate, gentle, or hand-wash cycle. You want the least amount of agitation possible.
- Spin Speed: Select a low or no-spin option. A high-speed spin cycle is too aggressive and can throw the shoes against the drum with damaging force, not to mention creating an unbalanced load that can cause your machine to vibrate violently.
The After-Wash Ritual: The Art of Drying Your Sneakers
You’ve successfully washed your sneakers. Great! But don’t ruin your hard work now. The drying process is just as important.
Why the Dryer is (Usually) Your Sneaker’s Worst Enemy
I can’t stress this enough: avoid the clothes dryer. The high heat is the number one culprit for ruining shoes after a wash. It can melt the glue that holds the shoe together, warp the rubber soles, and shrink the fabric. The constant tumbling is also brutal on the shoe’s structure. Unless the manufacturer’s tag explicitly says it’s safe, just don’t do it.
The Right Way to Air-Dry
Patience is key. Proper air-drying ensures your sneakers keep their shape and integrity.
- Reshape the Shoe: As soon as you take them out of the washer, reshape them. Stuff the inside of each sneaker with clean rags, paper towels, or crumpled-up newspaper. This helps absorb excess moisture from the inside and, more importantly, helps the shoe hold its original shape as it dries. Avoid newspaper with heavy ink, as it can transfer onto the inside of light-colored shoes.
- Find the Right Spot: Place the stuffed sneakers in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or direct heat. A spot near a fan or an open window is ideal. Direct sun can cause fading and make rubber brittle.
- Let Time Do Its Thing: Depending on the humidity and airflow, it can take anywhere from 8 hours to a full day or two for them to dry completely. Be patient. Ensuring they are 100% dry before wearing them again is essential to prevent mildew and bad odors.
“The biggest mistake I see people make is impatience. They wash their shoes correctly on a delicate cycle, then toss them in the high-heat dryer because they want to wear them that night. They end up with a warped, unglued mess. Proper air-drying is the final, and most critical, step.” – David Chen, Lead Appliance Technician
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of detergent is best for washing sneakers?
A gentle liquid detergent is your best bet. Avoid anything with bleach, and never use fabric softener. For white sneakers, a small amount of an oxygen-based brightener can be added, but always test on a small spot first.
Can I wash more than one pair of sneakers at once?
It’s best to stick to one pair at a time to prevent an unbalanced load. If you must wash two pairs, make sure they are of a similar weight and add enough towels to properly cushion and balance the drum.
How should I wash the shoelaces and insoles?
You can place the laces in the same mesh bag as the sneakers. For a deeper clean, you can hand-wash them in a small bowl of warm, soapy water. Insoles can also be placed in the mesh bag, but if they are particularly smelly, it’s better to hand-wash them with a brush and let them air-dry completely.
Does it matter if I have a front-load or a top-load washer?
The process is the same for both. A front-load washer is often gentler due to its tumbling action compared to the central agitator in some older top-load models. If you have a top-loader with an agitator, it’s even more important to use towels to prevent the shoes from getting wrapped around it.
How can I get rid of bad smells from my sneakers?
For stubborn odors, you can sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda inside each shoe and let them sit overnight before washing. This helps neutralize odors before they even go into the machine.
Your Sneakers Are Safe with Your Washing Machine
There you have it. The fear of using your washer for your footwear is officially a thing of the past. By following these simple but critical steps—proper prep, using a mesh bag, adding towels, and selecting the right gentle, cold cycle—you can confidently use your machine to restore your sneakers. Knowing how to wash sneakers in a washing machine correctly not only saves you time and effort but also extends the life of your favorite pair.
Now go rescue those dirty sneakers from the back of the closet. Your washing machine is ready for the job.